BUENA VISTA, Colo. - The Colorado Division of Wildlife will hold a public meeting in Buena Vista to gather input on deer and elk management in the Collegiate Range.
The meeting is scheduled for Tue., June 22, at 7 p.m. at the Sangre de Cristo Electric Association Building at 29780 U.S. Hwy 24.
"Talking to the public is one of the tools we use for developing our long-term goals for deer and elk management," said Jamin Grigg, a DOW biologist from Salida. "We want people to know that their input is important in our decision-making process," he added.
Grigg is developing deer and elk management plans for Game Management Units 48, 56, 481, and 561.
Hunters, outfitters, business owners, and landowners all have a vested interest in the management of big game populations. Hunters, outfitters, and hunting-tourism dependent businesses like hotels and restaurants may want increased hunting opportunity or the opportunity to harvest bigger bucks.
On the other hand, landowners may want the DOW to set management objectives to limit damage to crops and fences, or herd gender ratios that promote bigger bucks and result in more desirable private land licenses.
"Everyone has a voice in this process," Grigg explained. Items to be be discussed include deer and elk population and composition objectives that will govern license setting and policy issues for the next ten years.
Persons who cannot attend the meetings, but would like to provide input, should contact Grigg at the DOW office in Salida at (719) 530-5520.
